You probably don't want to hear this but that problem doesn’t require AI to solve. We've had asset tags and QR codes for decades and won't require re-training if a new equipment manufacturer comes into play.
When you say "won't require retraining if a new equipment manufacturer comes into play" I don't really follow.
Edit: I get it now - you mean by using QR we wouldn't need to retrain the image recognition AI. It's a good concern, although in this specific area there is not a ton of innovation or newcomers. Worth keeping in mind though.